WHO declares the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Congo to be an international emergency

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, signalling rising concern over its regional implications. Health officials said the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, a form of the virus for which there are no approved targeted vaccines or therapeutics, making containment more complex than in some previous Ebola crises. The agency said suspected and confirmed cases have been recorded in multiple health zones in eastern Congo, while Uganda has reported laboratory-confirmed infections linked to cross-border movement. WHO urged countries in the region to strengthen screening, isolation and contact-tracing measures, but advised against border closures, warning that unregulated crossings could worsen surveillance gaps and undermine containment efforts.